Lynch talk just part of game, says Dew

FIRST-YEAR Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew says he is ready and happy to deal with the Dustin Martin-like speculation surrounding star player Tom Lynch’s AFL future.

Lynch is arguably the most sought-after free agent in the land this season.

Melbourne clubs are expected to put forward offers well in excess of $1 million to lure him away from the Suns once his contract expires in October.

The Suns battled hard to keep fellow co-captain Steven May when he faced the same predicament last season but have lost Gary Ablett, Jaeger O’Meara, Dion Prestia and Adam Saad to Melbourne clubs in recent seasons.

Dew insists he won’t grow tired of the constant speculation though, welcoming it as part of the game and something he’s happy to see play out in the background of his rookie season as coach.

“That’s the environment,” Dew said.

“(Adelaide’s) Rory Sloane’s going to have the same, Dustin Martin had it last year ... you’re going to have two or three every year and everyone in footy’s comfortable with it.”

Dew said he wouldn’t do anything out of the ordinary to convince the 25-year-old forward to remain on the Gold Coast beyond this season.

“All we can control is creating a good environment where he wants to stay,” he said.

Lynch was rested from the Suns’ AFLX debut on Saturday but is likely to retain his captaincy this season alongside May.

“For a captain who’s a key forward to train the way he does is really impressive and he leads really well along with Steven May,” Dew said. “He’s invested in the club, asking where we are at membershipwise and broader stuff that says to me he’s all in this year.”